St. Sigfrid, Abbot of Wearmouth

22 August

Died on August 22, 688. Nothing is known about the early life of Saint
Sigfrid, a disciple of
Saint Benedict Biscop (f.d. January 12).
He was
known for his knowledge of Scripture, his temperance, and obedience.
During Benedict's absence on his fifth visit to Rome,
Saint Esterwine (f.d. March 7)
died.
Saint Ceolfrid (f.d. September 25)
and the other
monks elected the deacon-monk Sigfrid to take Esterwine's place as
coadjutor abbot of Jarrow and abbot of Wearmouth in 686. Both saints
fell deathly ill upon Benedict's return to Jarrow. Knowing that their
earthly lives were about to end and wanting a final meeting to inquire
about the welfare of each other and their monks, Sigfrid, suffering from
a lung disease, was carried on a stretcher to Benedict's cell. They
were both too weak to even embrace one another unaided. After
consulting Sigfrid, Benedict sent for Ceolfrid and appointed him abbot
over both monasteries. Benedict and Sigfrid, of one heart in life, died
the same year. Sigfrid was buried by Saint Ceolfrid in the abbey-church
of Saint Peter next to his master, Saint Benedict, and his predecessor,
Saint Esterwine.
Saint Bede (f.d. May 26)
testifies to the date of his
death and the development of a cultus at Wearmouth and Jarrow
(Benedictines,
Encyclopaedia,
Farmer,
Walsh).